Jenna Wims Hashway and John Barylick
Jenna Wims Hashway and John Barylick have supported Crossroads for more than a decade and recently deepened their commitment by making a multi-year pledge to the Roads to Home Capital Campaign.
Professionally, Jenna is a Professor of Legal Practice at Roger Williams University (RWU) School of Law and John is a practicing attorney and a Visiting Professor at RWU Law. His litigation work includes having served as one of the lead attorneys representing victims of The Station nightclub fire. Throughout their legal careers, John and Jenna have given their time and talents to help mentor young students and provide pro bono representation and legal advocacy.
We gravitate toward organizations that offer a practical solution to community problems and show tangible results.
- Jenna Wims Hashway & John Barylick, Crossroads Donors
What is your personal philosophy on philanthropy and giving back to your community?
In their personal philanthropy, the couple places an emphasis on giving back to their local community. John explains, “We recognize that we’ve had educational and career opportunities that not everyone has, and this is why we believe it’s important to give back.” Jenna added about their preference to support local causes, “It makes us feel like we’re more knit into our community.”
When selecting causes to support, they gravitate toward “organizations that offer a practical solution to community problems and show tangible results.” For this reason, the couple chose to make a pledge to the Crossroads’ Roads to Home Campaign and shared that they look forward to, “seeing progress toward solving homelessness in our own community. In addition, a multi-year commitment helps us to better plan our giving.”
John explained that our Campaign priorities appealed to them because they believe “Housing First” is the right approach. “Often, the first question asked on a job application or a medical form is, ‘What is your address?’ and until you have that, you are not going to be able to move forward or access medical care in an organized way. When someone is homeless, an enormous amount of their energy must go into basic survival.”
What led you to create a Donor Advised Fund and how has that decision supported your giving plans?
“Prior to establishing a donor advised fund at the Rhode Island Foundation, we gave in response to requests and our giving was more scattered. Now, our giving is more intentional, and we can take a longer view. Once a year, we sit down and discuss what is important to us and where the great need is now. By doing so, we feel we can make a difference in our local community.”